The first time I heard about the term “Bhagat” was some years ago when
the neighborhood community center (“Sindhu Samaj”) was renovated and did a mural painting of a typical “Bhagat” Session (see below). It
was then that I enquired from the elders in the family about “Bhagat” sessions
(Sindhi Oral Tradition incorporating song, dance, story and drama) and was told about Bhagat Kanwarram being a master of this
craft. Having grown up in Delhi which
has a sizable Sindhi population, I have been hearing about Bhagat Sahib since
the beginning. There is not a single program (that I know of) where Bhagat
Sahib’s songs have not been sung or he hasn’t been quoted. In addition, a
number of charitable acts by various Samaj’s are named after him ( Bhagat
Kanwarram Dharamshala etc.. ).
 |
| Sindhu Samaj Front Wall ( Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi) |
Recently, I came across the article “Sindhi Bhagat Songs associated
with Kanvar Ram” by Ms. Jyoti
Garin which beautifully explains Bhagat tradition. The interested reader can find the article on the internet which also includes English translation of few of Bhagat Kanwarram Sahib's famous Kalams. The article states
(edited excerpts):-
“The group of five or six men
comprises a “leader”, an “assistant” ,
one or two “followers”
, sometimes a “buffoon” and
two musicians. It is
a typical form
of Sindhi narration
in terms of language, costume
and headdress as well
as of songs,
instruments, movements and
gestures… Dressed in an
emblematic costume, leader and assistance, while the followers repeat and
dance.
The session begins at
nightfall, in the open air in a village square or in the precincts of a temple
and the spectators come from all spheres of society. Formerly, these gatherings
lasted three consecutive nights.
At the time
of joyous festivals
such as marriages
or fairs, these narrators generate a sense of piety,
spread knowledge and acclaim righteousness and social progress. The bhagats
also commemorate the death of the saints (“varsi”). To this day, these narrators
are honored. These performances generate an atmosphere of simplicity and
intense communion. It is considered
that the bhagats purify the spot, the house and the village where they pass.”
Inquiring a bit more detail from the family elders, I was told that
in the pre-partition era , “Bhagat” performances held a special significance in the life of an ordinary " Hindu" Sindhi as being the main source of entertainment. However, with the emergence of alternate
channels of entertainment, Bhagat tradition has witnessed a steep decline both
in its relevance as well as popularity in the post-partition India. It was an
almost extinct craft till a few years ago; however the past years have seen two
or three upcoming Bhagat performers from Ulhasnagar/Ajmer. The other Bhagat who comes to my mind is Bhagat Bhooro Lal in Pakistan whom you would have seen in some of the videos that I have shared in previous posts ( esp. the song " Dastaan e Moomal Rano" where he sang along with Saeen Saif Samejo).
My first (and only)
experience of watching a “Bhagat”
performance was last year when Sindhu Samaj had invited Bhagat Thanwar and
Bhagat Anil Jaisinghani from Ulhasnagar (Mumbai) to perform at a musical evening. I have
never ever seen a more energetic live performance than this! In my opinion, the beauty of a "Bhagat" art lies in its "content" which is usually a mix of Sindhi Sufi poetry, kalams and Master Chander songs along with the "old school" delivery style which is simple yet powerful. "Bhagat" performances play an important role in spreading the universal values of religious tolerance and brotherhood which is extremely important in today's day and age.
I am attaching a couple of you-tube links of Bhagat Thanwar and Bhagat Anil which hopefully will help you appreciate this wonderful oral tradition that is largely followed in Hindu Sindhis. Keeping this tradition alive is not an easy task given the minimal remuneration that these artists earn and hence it is important for the entire community to support these artists. The easiest way to do so is to host a "Bhagat" session in your area / community centre .
Jeay Sindhiyat!
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